Chances are, if you’ve lived in your home for more than a few years, you can likely turn a tidy profit. That’s great news. But sealing the deal requires more than just a handshake. You’ll have to consider if now’s a good time to sell? What’s the best way to get the word out? How do you get top dollar for your property? These are just some of the questions that a REALTOR® can help answer.

7. Let your REALTOR® market your home

It’s time for your REALTOR® to do their thing with a few old-fashioned, and some new-fashioned, marketing tools.

The “For Sale” Sign

Despite our leaps in technology, the “For Sale” sign continues to be an extremely effective way to advertise. Anybody responding to your sign is a solid lead because they’ve seen your home with their own eyes.

Traditional media

Your REALTOR® may choose any or all of the following: classified ads in the newspaper (often with a photo), ads in real estate publications, property listings on cable television and good old-fashioned mail. Neighbourhood mailers can be incredibly effective.

The power of the Internet

If you decide to have your home listed on a real estate Board’s MLS® System, you can also have your home advertised on http://www.REALTOR.ca, Canada’s most popular Internet research tool for residential real estate, and a big reason why over 85% of Canadians who search for a home start their search on the Internet.

REALTORS® really know how to network

Your REALTOR® is part of an extensive community of REALTORS® who collectively represent hundreds of eager buyers. REALTORS® can call other REALTORS®, who can call other REALTORS®, who can call other REALTORS®.

Ultimately, your home itself becomes a selling tool

Start with an open house for REALTORS®

A REALTOR® Open House is an efficient way to attract REALTORS® to see your home with their own eyes. If your home is perfect for one of their buyers, you can be sure they’ll rush right out and tell them! Your REALTOR® can organize everything and get the buzz started.

Next, an “Open House” for everybody

Many buyers want to get a feel for your neighbourhood before they start working with a REALTOR®. That’s why Open Houses to the public are so important. They usually last a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday, and there are a few simple but important rules to follow.

Make sure your home looks its finest

Your best buyer may just walk in off the street!

Lock away valuables

Most folks are decent, courteous and honest, but it’s wise to stash away jewelry, cameras and other small valuables. You can ask your REALTOR® to request a name and phone number from every visitor for added security.

Attend to any hazards

Is there an electrical cord somebody could trip on? Is there a chair that will collapse if somebody actually sits in it? Fix it, or lose it.

Avoid cooking foods with strong aroma

Almost nobody’s dream home smells like smoked herring!

The best way you can help: Don’t be there

You want people to feel relaxed and daydream that your home is their home. This just isn’t possible with you there. Go see a movie, or take your pets on a field trip.

A “lock box” makes it easier to show your home

A “lock box” is a small, secure box that’s affixed to your front doorknob. It’s a mini safe with a key to your house inside. REALTORS® are given a combination to the lock box, so they can show your home to interested buyers.

Be patient with visits. Hopefully they will lead to a great offer, soon.